I learned to meditate in prison from an old convict named Jack Miller. When I could melt the bars away he taught me the rules of life…
” Everybody goes through life thinking they don’t have to live by any rules… I’m here ta tell ya, yur gonna have ta live by 2 rules. Everyone knows rule number 1, however few know rule number 2; and rule number 2 is never shit in your own nest. ”
“What’s rule number 1?”
” I’m glad you asked. It depends on what you are. If you’re a criminal like me then it’s never get caught. If you’re a civilian, then it’s some version of do no harm to others. ”
I confessed. “I think I’m a civilian. ”
Jack smiled, ” For you my friend, I think that would be wise.”
Neither one of us ever went back. I was 20 and Jack was 60.
Dennis Mantin